Newness

So I finished a painting today
And am closing in on the end of a chapter of the thrilling page turner entitled, "My Life"
I finalized part one of a two part project the Lord placed on my heart a year ago
These long strides, fruit of a richness I find in my heart these days.
A freedom from timidity
There is NO backing down
No holding back
I throw myself in
passion not withheld
Expectation of what this next year will bring

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is ..."

I will go before you
and will level the mountains;
I will break down gates of bronze
and cut through bars of iron.

I will give you the treasures of darkness,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the LORD,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 45:2-3

Singing a New Song

A couple weeks ago, my little buddy Caleb (age 5) asked me a very simple question. But it sparked very profound moment of introspection... This little boy placed his hand over my mouth and asked "Why do you sing all the time?"

I responded with, "Because God has restored my joy"

God is SO good.

I don't know if most of you know this or not but I had struggled with depression, and suicidal thoughts, self-mutilation and the like for 7 years of my life. It was a time plagued of despair.

BUT God is SO GOOD.

He has changed my despair into JOY. This Joy that I just CAN'T CONTAIN- so I sing. all the time. everywhere. anywhere (yes even on the toilet). It is amazing. I just feel so free, and not only songs that I know but Spontaneous Songs lifted toward the heavens proclaiming the things of God's kingdom on earth.